Paid sick days could save significant amounts of money

A recent report from the Institute for Women's Policy Research showed that allowing employees to have paid sick days would save the United States as much as $1 billion in healthcare costs.

Approximately 44 million Americans who are employed are unable to have paid sick days, and many cannot take care of family members who are sick while being paid, the report noted. However, the United States uses close to $47 billion on emergency health services, and if the treatment of these people was altered by sending it to non-emergency outlets, the savings would be more than $1 billion.

"As high and rising health care expenditures continuing to be a top concern for policymakers and businesses alike, paid sick days is a cost saving solution that should receive serious attention," said Claudia Williams, research analyst with IWPR and an author of the report.

If the savings were to occur, it could not only save the aforementioned amount of money, but with that reduced spending, it may also lower health insurance rates. In the meantime, consumers should compare health insurance quotes to make sure they are getting the best deal available.